At UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Youssef Zalal made a massive statement with a first-round submission win over veteran Josh Emmett. Zalal quickly took control, using slick grappling to secure an armbar just 1:38 into the opening round, earning his fifth consecutive victory since returning to the UFC. Fresh off this dominant performance and with his win streak growing, Zalal called out several featherweight standouts in his post-fight comments, underlining his desire for a No. 1 contender opportunity and establishing himself as a top player in the division.
The next logical step for Zalal is a high-profile showdown with Yair Rodriguez. Rodriguez, the former interim featherweight champion, is coming off a statement win over Patricio Pitbull at UFC 314 and remains one of the most skilled and popular fighters in the division. This matchup offers both men compelling stakes: for Zalal, a win over Rodriguez would remove any doubt about his status as a true contender; for Rodriguez, it’s a chance to halt a surging opponent and push back toward title contention.
Stylistically, the fight promises fireworks with Zalal’s diverse striking and grappling arsenal meeting Rodriguez’s unpredictable kicks, dynamic attacks, and Mexican warrior spirit. For both, it’s the perfect litmus test for a featherweight title shot in 2026.
Last Five Fights – Youssef Zalal:
1. Win over Josh Emmett – Submission (armbar), UFC 320 (October 4, 2025)
2. Win over Calvin Kattar – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (June 7, 2025)
3. Win over Jack Shore – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC Fight Night (March 8, 2025)
4. Win over Billy Quarantillo – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (December 16, 2024)
5. Win over Hakeem Dawodu – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (September 7, 2024)
Last Five Fights – Yair Rodriguez:
1. Win over Patricio Pitbull – Decision (unanimous), UFC 314 (April 13, 2025)
2. Loss to Brian Ortega – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC Fight Night (February 25, 2024)
3. Loss to Alexander Volkanovski – KO/TKO (punches), UFC 290 (July 9, 2023)
4. Win over Josh Emmett – Submission (triangle choke), UFC 284 (February 12, 2023)
5. Win over Brian Ortega – KO/TKO (injury), UFC Fight Night (July 16, 2022)
A matchup between Zalal and Rodriguez answers key divisional questions, promises bold action, and is the natural next step for two of the featherweight division’s most dangerous talents.